The Rafiki Foundation

Episode 26: Classical Christian Education: Going Global with Eric Cook and Dr. David Diener

In this episode, Karen Elliott interviews Eric Cook and Dr. David Diener. Together they explore the remarkable global growth of classical Christian education and the mission of the Society for Classical Learning to strengthen and expand it in partnerships with organizations like Rafiki Foundation. From Africa to India to Latin America, they explore the opportunities and challenges of translating the classical tradition across cultures while remaining rooted in historic Christian faith and the formation of virtuous leaders. Drawing inspiration from the tradition championed by thinkers such as C.S. Lewis and Augustine, this conversation casts a bold vision for leadership, philanthropy, and global collaboration to build thriving schools that form wise, virtuous students for generations to come.

Episode 25: The Good Teacher: Cultivating Wisdom, Wonder, and Virtue

In this thoughtful and contemplative conversation, Karen Elliott interviews Dr. Christopher Perrin and Carrie Eben. Together they reflect on what makes a teacher truly “good” within the classical Christian tradition, drawing from their work on The Good Teacher and the new ClassicalU course by the same name. They explore the teacher’s sacred vocation as one who imitates Christ, cultivates wonder, and orders students’ loves toward truth, goodness, and beauty. Along the way, they share insights from their experience with Latin, their involvement with Rafiki Foundation, their teacher resources, and how classical educators can recover teaching as a formative art rooted in the Logos.

Episode 24: Logic, Language, and Love: The Mission of John and Gwen Cicone

In this inspiring episode, John and Gwen Cicone share how classical Christian education is flourishing at the Rafiki Village in Moshi, Tanzania—right in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro. From K-12 classrooms to teacher training colleges, they describe the life-changing impact of an education rooted in Scripture, logic, and love. Discover how their students—many from rote-learning backgrounds—are becoming thoughtful, confident, and biblically grounded leaders across East Africa.

Episode 23: From Mexico to Malawi: Leading the Teacher’s College at the Rafiki Village

In this episode, Karen Elliott speaks with Anna Liebing, head of school and principal of the teacher’s college at the Rafiki Village in Mzuzu, Malawi. Anna shares how classical Christian education is transforming the lives of students, parents, and teachers in one of Africa’s most beautiful regions. With stories of student growth, teacher formation, and the launch of a new accredited college, this episode reveals the deep impact of bringing truth, beauty, and goodness into every classroom.

Episode 22: Beyond the Concert: Global Worship Through Music

Dr. Brady McNeil shares the story of taking the Wheaton Symphonic Band on its first international tour—to Kenya and Tanzania with the Rafiki Foundation. This episode explores the power of music education, global Christian fellowship, and cross-cultural worship as students performed, taught, and partnered with local churches and schools. Hear how music became a bridge between worlds and a blessing to all who listened and played.